Arms-On Grand Seiko Heritage 44GS 36.5mm Sakura SBGW289 (Value)

At first, after I first noticed this new Grand Seiko Heritage Assortment 44GS fifty fifth Anniversary Restricted Version SBGW289 (that’s its full, uncharming title), I imagined it to be marketed because the model’s newest female creation. On paper, with its compact case and light-pink colored dial, it had some arguments to grow to be an important possibility for energetic ladies who usually are not into diamonds. This was till I strapped this SBGW289 round my wrist and realised Grand Seiko truly made a shocking 36.5mm hand-wound watch that I might clearly be blissful so as to add to my assortment… Neglect concerning the sakura inspiration, the gender-related preconceived concepts about pink or the slightly compact diameter introduced by the model. The brand new pink Grand Seiko 44GS Restricted Version SBGW289 is the brand new time-only GS to think about!

What you’re taking a look at is a watch with all of the attributes of the 44GS assortment, in a compact case. Launched in 1967, this watch is likely one of the most vital for the model, because it launched the Grammar of Design conceived by Taro Tanaka, and that’s nonetheless in use at the moment. Sharp edges, massive polished surfaces, razor-like flanks, unobtrusive bezel, reflective surfaces achieved because of the Zaratsu approach, extremely contrasting dial parts… The whole lot that has made Grand Seiko’s design well-known over time is right here again however with completely different proportions – perceive extra compact, however no much less impactful.

More often than not, the watches that fall into the 44GS assortment measure about 40mm in diameter. But, the design launched in 1967 additionally comes with massive shoulder and pronounced lugs, making the floor lined by the case on the wrist slightly excessive. It’s not that the 44GS is an enormous watch, however it’s a watch that has extra presence than the numbers point out. Now, what we now have with the pink 44GS Restricted SBGW289 is a decreased case, each in diameter and peak, however nonetheless with nice wrist presence. I do know the official pictures of GS are stuffed with pink flowers, however belief me after I say that on the wrist, it isn’t a watch that appears female. And at that very same time, it’ll be nice for energetic ladies too.

At 36.5mm in diameter, the SBGW289 is extraordinarily effectively proportioned for a time-only watch. The lug-to-lug hasn’t been measured exactly, however we ought to be round 44mm most. And the thickness, if not ultra-thin, is a really respectable 11.6mm, to be thought-about visually decrease for the reason that watch has a box-shaped sapphire crystal. On the wrist, this watch by no means felt undersized for my 16.5cm wrist. I can think about that males with wrists over 18cm will discover it too small, however for many people, it’ll merely be excellent. And for the reason that watch is worn on a 3-link brushed and polished stainless-steel bracelet, it doesn’t really feel delicate and dressy both. Plus, the sharpness of the 44GS assortment brings that edginess you’d anticipate from an informal watch. Wrist presence; test. Wrist steadiness; test. Visible influence; test. And with a 100m water-resistance, it’s even good for weekends.

The dial of the Grand Seiko 44GS Restricted SBGW289 is alleged to be impressed by “Sakura-kakushi, the transient second in spring when, in northern Japan, snow and cherry blossom co-exist.” The result’s merely a really good-looking textured dial that brings a silvery impression in most circumstances, with only a slight pink hue to convey one thing completely different, one thing authentic however not intrusive. And realizing the optimistic reception across the pink dial Shunbun SBGA413, little question many might be attracted by this typical GS dial. Arms and utilized markers are conventional of the model’s manufacturing, which means fantastically detailed and bevelled to a formidable degree. Due to the a number of sides, the distinction between the weather isn’t at fault, though they’ve been redimensioned for extra class.

Contained in the case of this 36.5mm stunner is a widely known motion, the Calibre 9S64. This hand-wound engine is on the basis of certainly one of our favorite GS fashions, the time-only SBGW231 – additionally named by our founder The Japanese Calatrava. The 9S64 is right here hidden behind a closed caseback however retains all its attributes, which means a 4Hz frequency, 72h of energy reserve and a claimed accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day.

Availability & Value

The Grand Seiko Heritage Assortment 44GS fifty fifth Anniversary Restricted Version SBGW289 might be out there as of June 2022 from Grand Seiko Boutiques and chosen retailers worldwide. It is going to be restricted to 1,200 items and priced at EUR 5,400. For extra particulars, please go to www.grand-seiko.com.